Northwest Airlines outsourced about 25 groundworkers' jobs at Duluth International Airport to Mesaba Airlines on Monday to reduce operating expenses. Last year, the bankrupt air carrier announced plans to shed $1.4 billion in annual labor costs.
In 2006, Northwest negotiated a contract with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers that allowed the airline to outsource many of its groundworker operations. The union represented most of the Northwest employees working at Duluth International.
Northwest spokesman Dean Breest said travelers should see no reduction in service as a result of the staffing changes this week.
